City of Tshwane blamed for fire
THE City of Tshwane has been blamed for the fire that displaced a pensioner-headed family of 10 and destroyed their business in Soshanguve Block H.
The home belonged to Boy Sibanda, 79, and Flora Malahlela, 75, who have been earning their living by recycling tyres for more than four decades. They had created employment for their children and two assistants who lived with them.
Both the families and neighbours blamed the city for failing to fix a fault on an electricity pole that was known to catch fire.
They said the last fire had occurred in December, but the pole had not been fixed properly. They also claimed to have doused the fire on the pole in the past as sparks ignited.
They claimed that the fire started on the pole, but as the cable started burning it spread to the tyres, which also started burning.
A big mango tree also caught fire, which then reached the house, sending the family running for their lives at about 3am.
A heartbroken Kgomotso Malahlela, 39, said they were lucky to have escaped alive considering the intensity of the fire. Four fire engines were needed to put out the blaze.
“I’m worried about the children who lost everything, including their school uniforms. We have two boys aged 15 who go to Boepathutse Secondary School. We also have a 10-yearold girl who goes to Sediba-Sa-Tsebo Primary School and another girl, 21, who is doing her matric at Senthibele Senior Secondary School.
“There are too many of us, but now we have to split up and see who gets taken by which family or relative or friend. It is just a big mess. Even the clothes I’m wearing now were given to me by a friend. We lost everything. We only saved our bakkie.
“We are not rich people so to recover from here is impossible. We had a contract that paid us R7000 a month per 1 000 tyres. We are at a big loss and it breaks our hearts.
“We hope the municipality can come and take accountability, because we need every assistance we can get. Anyone who can assist can contact me on 083 438 7158,” said family member Kgomotso Malahlela.
A neighbour, Robert Lebese, said the people around did not sleep after the blaze because they were worried that their homes would also catch fire.
“This house is next to a fuel filling station so we were all worried about a possible explosion. We give all thanks to the Lord for being with us and ensuring that nobody was hurt in the process.”
Ward 34 community leaders in Soshanguve Block H Sammy Mathonsi and Lasi Maway said they were asking for assistance for the family and they hope that people will come forward with donations. “We really hope the City of Tshwane can come and take accountability because we have been reporting that pole for some time.”